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Are you riding and road safety savvy?

If you're a keen leisure rider and love hacking out, there's no doubt you'll have to ride on the roads at some point, but how seriously do you take your road safety? Are you geared up for the potential hazards you may meet along the way or do you bumble along without a care in the world? Take our road safety survey and find out how safe you are on the roads.

Score
0

What kind of road rider are you?

32 – 50 points

You are a very safe and responsible rider and seem to be taking every safety precaution possible. While it’s important to stick to what you’re doing, just be careful that you don't forget to enjoy it too. After all, hacking out is supposed to be fun and it is still possible to ride safely in a relaxed confident manner.

Don't forget to click below for top road safety tips.

Relax out hacking. Horses are very good at picking up on a rider’s body language, so if you’re tense, he will sense it. Equally, if you’re confident, he will draw confidence from you.

Wear safety gear, which should at least include a hard hat and hi-vis gear – at least one item on you and your horse in case you become parted, although the more, the better.

Stay alert at all times. Listen out for vehicles, especially when approaching bends or riding on narrow lanes.

Indicate your intentions to other road users at all times. For example, when you want to make a turn or pull out to pass something. Equally show courtesy to drivers by remembering to thank those who slow down for you.

Make sure that your horse is safe to ride on the roads. If he’s a spooky type then get him used to various sights and sounds in a safer place, such as your arena or ride out with a steady reliable horse and stay on the inside to help improve his and your confidence. Remember that the roads are not a place to school any horse.

Take your BHS riding and road safety test if you haven’t already.

Make sure you tell someone where you are going before you set off for a hack, especially if you are going alone, and take a mobile phone with you – for emergency use only.

Check your insurance policy to make sure you are fully covered for any mishaps that might happen on the road. For example, third party liability and personal accident cover is essential as such claims can run to thousands if not hundreds of thousands of pounds, and veterinary fee cover will give you peace of mind that you will be able to afford the best treatment without delay in the event of injury.

What kind of road rider are you?

16 – 31 points

Generally, you are a fairly responsible road rider, but you do have moments where you lapse and forget to take as much care as perhaps you should. It’s time to put a few more safety precautions in place.

Don't forget to click below for top road safety tips.

Err on the side of caution. Where roads are concerned, don’t take any risks.

Work on your confidence levels, which might involve getting some expert help and where possible ride out with someone on a calm, reliable horse. As well as wearing a hard hat and hi-vis gear, wearing a body protector and fitting a neck strap to your horse will not only keep you a safer it will help you feel safe and enhance your confidence, too.

Wear safety gear, which should at least include a hard hat and hi-vis gear – at least one item on you and your horse in case you become parted, although the more, the better.

Stay alert at all times. Listen out for vehicles, especially when approaching bends or riding on narrow lanes.

Indicate your intentions to other road users at all times. For example, when you want to make a turn or pull out to pass something. Equally show courtesy to drivers by remembering to thank those who slow down for you.

Make sure that your horse is safe to ride on the roads. If he’s a spooky type then get him used to various sights and sounds in a safer place, such as your arena or ride out with a steady reliable horse and stay on the inside to help improve his and your confidence. Remember that the roads are not a place to school any horse.

Take your BHS riding and road safety test if you haven’t already.

Make sure you tell someone where you are going before you set off for a hack, especially if you are going alone, and take a mobile phone with you – for emergency use only.

Check your insurance policy to make sure you are fully covered for any mishaps that might happen on the road. For example, third party liability and personal accident cover is essential as such claims can run to thousands if not hundreds of thousands of pounds, and veterinary fee cover will give you peace of mind that you will be able to afford the best treatment without delay in the event of injury.

What kind of road rider are you?

0 – 15 points

How have you survived riding on the roads up until now? It’s definitely time to start taking a more responsible attitude to keep safe - you owe it to your horse and other road users as well as yourself. It seems you are very confident riding on the roads and get the most out of it, but don’t forget that accidents can happen – and often do when you least expect it - no matter how good a rider you are. Think about the routes you are going to ride and the potential hazards, and make sure you stay alert on the roads.

Don't forget to click below for top road safety tips.

Wear safety gear, which should at least include a hard hat and hi-vis gear – at least one item on you and your horse in case you become parted, although the more, the better.

Stay alert at all times. Listen out for vehicles, especially when approaching bends or riding on narrow lanes.

Indicate your intentions to other road users at all times. For example, when you want to make a turn or pull out to pass something. Equally show courtesy to drivers by remembering to thank those who slow down for you.

Make sure that your horse is safe to ride on the roads. If he’s a spooky type then get him used to various sights and sounds in a safer place, such as your arena or ride out with a steady reliable horse and stay on the inside to help improve his and your confidence. Remember that the roads are not a place to school any horse.

Take your BHS riding and road safety test if you haven’t already.

Make sure you tell someone where you are going before you set off for a hack, especially if you are going alone, and take a mobile phone with you – for emergency use only.

Check your insurance policy to make sure you are fully covered for any mishaps that might happen on the road. For example, third party liability and personal accident cover is essential as such claims can run to thousands if not hundreds of thousands of pounds, and veterinary fee cover will give you peace of mind that you will be able to afford the best treatment without delay in the event of injury.